Applicator-holder

ABSTRACT

An applicator holder device including a holder and a pusher mechanism. The pusher mechanism can be actuated so as to pass selectively from a rest position inside the holder into an active position. The pusher mechanism is able to drive an applicator that can be displaced in translation in an axial duct arranged in a head mounted in a detachable manner on the holder. The pusher mechanism can be automatically returned to its rest position when the head is removed from the holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention concerns an applicator holder device that can be used inparticular, but not exclusively, in the cosmetic field, using forexample, a kohl pencil lead, a liner, lipstick, eyeshadow etc. Withinthe meaning of the present Application, the term "applicator"encompasses applicators for direct application (a lead), as well asapplicators for indirect application (a flocked or not flocked foam, afelt, pencil brush etc.).

2. Discussion of the Background

In the field of cosmetics, mechanisms are known which comprise a handlewith a central pusher component actuated by a screw thread to allow a"lead" to be selectively advanced or retracted, so as to lower or pushup a "lead" disposed in the head (or nose) of an applicator, the "lead"being carried by a cup. The cup is held in position inside by a springin the rest position. When the nose is mounted on the handle and whenthe pusher is actuated, it pushes the "lead" out of the head whiledecompressing the spring. The term "lead" is used here to denote anyelongate mass or stick of consumable cosmetic product.

A major drawback relates to the fact that if the refill nose is removedin the course of use without re-screwing back the pusher mechanism, the"lead" enters back into the nose, but the pusher remains in its highposition, then requiring a manipulation for returning it into its lowposition. Moreover, since the pusher mechanism is actuated by a screwthread arranged on the internal surface of the holder, it is difficultto give the pencil a shape other than a circular shape, because of thematerial thicknesses produced. Finally, such mechanisms use a largenumber of components, which considerably increases the cost of thesedevices.

Other applicator holder devices are also described in U.S. Pat. No.3,358,699, or in EP-A-0604793 or DE-A-4222759. The devices described inthese documents are of the type comprising a threaded stem with whichone or several tabs are brought to engage, so as to drive the applicatorinto its emerged position. However, due to the mechanism driving it,this kind of device poses problems mainly because the applicator is heldaxially rigidly in position, which inevitably produces in theapplication process a certain lack of softness which is perceived by theusers as a defect when the device is used for applying make-up productsin zones as sensitive as those surrounding the eyes.

Moreover, in EP-A-0604793 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,358,699, the drivemechanism which constitutes a fragile part of the device is carried, notby the detachable head, but by the body, or by an intermediatemanipulating element, which requires the replacement of the whole of thedevice if the drive mechanism becomes damaged.

Finally, in the case of DE-A-4222759, the driving part of the mechanismis caused to engage with the threaded stem substantially at its centreduring the mounting of the head on the body of the device. Because ofthe small annular spaces, this makes it necessary for the drive means toforcibly pass in their strained position over a substantial portion ofthe thread, which forcible passing substantially affects the ease andsoftness of the assembly and use of the device, and there is moreover,the risk of irremediable damage being caused to either the drivemechanism or the thread, or both.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus it is one of the objects of the present invention to create anoptionally refillable applicator holder which is not subject to thedrawbacks mentioned above with reference to the conventional devices.

It is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide anapplicator holder device, wherein the applicator is driven by a simple,reliable mechanism and which lends the application process a gentlenessand softness that are improved as compared with conventional devices.

It is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide aninexpensive mechanism that is simple to mount and capable of having anyshape, and which advantageously makes it possible to cause the pushermechanism to return automatically into its rest position when the headis being removed from the holder.

Other objects will become apparent in detail in the description thatfollows.

In accordance with the invention, these objects are attained by means ofa device comprising: a holder wherein there is mounted a pushermechanism capable of coming to engage with drive means, for passingselectively from a rest position inside the holder to an activeposition, wherein the pusher mechanism is able to drive an applicatorcapable of displacement in translation in an axial duct arranged in ahead detachably fitted on the holder; and means for automaticallyproducing the disengagement of the drive means from the pusher mechanismwhen the head is removed from the holder, and causing the pushermechanism to pass from the active position to the rest position underthe effect of an axial force exerted by restoring means, characterizedin that the drive means have a resilience of which an axial componentexerts on the pusher mechanism, in the position engaged with the drivemeans, an axial restoring force in an opposite direction to the axialforce exerted by restoring means, in response to an axial pressureexerted on the pusher mechanism via the applicator.

Thus mounted, the pusher mechanism, and hence the applicator, aremounted as on a spring so that during the application when the free endof the applicator is caused to bear on the surface to be treated, theapplicator can resiliently recoil, so as to absorb a part of the exertedpressure, thus increasing the softness in the application. Theapplicator returns into position by being resiliently restored when thepressure stops.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive means are formed by atleast one element formed of two parts of which a first part is joined tothe head on which it is mounted with radial resilience, so as toselectively allow during the mounting of the head (or during itsremoval) the engagement (or the disengagement) of the drive means withor from (respectively) the pusher mechanism, a second portion joined tothe first, capable of coming into engagement with the pusher mechanism,and having an axial resilience for generating the axial restoring force.

Advantageously, the drive means are carried by the head, which makes itpossible to give them a larger radial width, thus increasing theirresilience in the axial direction. Moreover, in the case of any damageto the whole or part of the drive system, only the detachable head hasto be changed, and not the holder. Finally, this characteristic makes itpossible to use a stem having a deep, thick thread and allowing theapplicator to be quickly advanced.

Again advantageously, the drive means are arranged so as to produce thedisengagement of the drive means from the pusher mechanism and thepassing of the pusher mechanism from the active position to the restposition when the axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism exceedsa given value. This characteristic makes it possible to prevent the"lead" from being damaged in the case of an unduly high pressure exertedon its end, as for example, when the drive is accidentally dropped.

Again advantageously, the device comprises:

a) a hollow cylindrical holder closed at one of its ends;

b) a stem threaded over at least a part of its length and mounted forfree translation inside the holder, the stem being secured againstrotation inside the holder;

c) resilient restoring means mounted inside the holder, so as to keepthe threaded stem in the rest position biased against the closed end ofthe holder;

d) a detachable head wherein there is arranged an axial duct intended toreceive an applicator mounted in a cup, the said duct being open at itstwo ends, with the first end opening out towards the outside for theapplication of the product, and the second end allowing the head to bedetachably fitted on the holder;

e) a drive system carried by the head or by the holder, so as to beplaced into engagement with the thread of the stem when the head isbeing fitted on the holder, so as to produce the driving of theapplicator in translation in the said duct by rotation of the holderrelative to the head; and

f) means for permitting the disengagement of the drive system and of thestem during the removal of the head.

The stem may be threaded over whole, or part of its length. Preferably,however, the stem is threaded over a portion delimited by a first limitsituated on the opposite side to the holder and by a second limit, thedrive means comprising a meshing part capable of coming into engagementwith the thread of the stem and being positioned in such a way that,when the head is being fitted on the holder, the meshing part issubstantially opposite the first limit. Thus in its strained positionthe meshing part is not caused to pass over any substantial portion ofthe thread, which would, in fact, inevitably cause damage to the threador the drive means. Moreover, between the second limit and the end ofthe stem situated in the bottom of the holder, the stem may have aportion whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of thebottom of the thread.

Thus, according to this advantageous arrangement, when the head is beingfitted on the holder the drive system comes firstly into contact withthe stem at any start of the thread of the stem, even (at least in thecase of one of the tabs) over an unthreaded part thereof.

Coupling means may be provided between the stem and the applicator, witha view to driving the applicator into the axial duct of the head, themounting of the head on the holder causing the drive system to engagewith the threaded stem, but it does not cause the applicator to bedriven in the duct; the applicator only comes into play during the firstuse of the device by rotation of the head relative to the holder. Thus,during the mounting of the head, the position of the applicator isconstant which prevents an unduly large length of the applicator fromemerging during the mounting, which could cause damage to theapplicator. In other words, the engagement of the drive system with thethreaded stem is disconnected from the engagement of the stem and theapplicator.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stem has, at its opposite endto the closed end of the holder, a fastening end fitting and the cup hasfastening means intended to cooperate in a detachable manner with thefastening end fitting of the stem so as to allow the applicator to bedriven into the duct, a rotation of the holder relative to the headcausing the applicator to be driven in translation in the duct and thestem to be fastened to the cup by the closing of the fastening means onthe end fitting and rotation of the holder in the opposite directionrelative to the head causing the applicator to rise in the duct, meansbeing provided for releasing the stem from the cup by opening thefastening means when the applicator has risen again inside the duct,while keeping the applicator in position inside the duct. According to apreferred embodiment, the applicator is only disengaged from the stem inthe retracted position of the applicator. For this purpose, when thehead is removed in the run out position of the applicator, the drivesystem is disengaged from the threaded stem before disengaging the stemfrom the cup, it only being possible for this latter disengagement tooccur in the retracted position of the applicator.

Sealing means may be provided in the vicinity of one and/or the other ofthe ends of the axial duct. In particular, in the case of a lipstick,these sealing means comprise a block of foam which is compressible inall spatial directions and has one side is intended to come in aleakproof bearing contact on a free edge of the head, the said sidebeing impermeable to the solvent (or solvents) forming part of thecomposition of the applicator, the block of foam being disposed in thebottom of a cap capable of covering, in a detachable manner, an openingdelimited by the free edge.

The means provided for releasing the stem from the cup comprise afrustoconical portion formed inside the head, adjacent to the said axialduct, the frustoconical portion allowing the fastening means to divergeby being resiliently biased when the holding means arrive opposite thesaid frustoconical portion, thus releasing the stem. When the fasteningmeans are in an elastic bearing contact on its sides, this frustoconicalportion allows the applicator to be kept in its retracted positioninside the duct.

The means provided for releasing the stem from the cup may furthercomprise a groove adjacent to the frustoconical portion, so as to allowthe fastening means to diverge further, the tabs, in fact, diverging byresilience and entering at least in part into the grooves. Thischaracteristic is particularly advantageous in the case of a lipstick,whose diameter is larger as compared with certain other applicators.

At its opposite end to the head, the stem may comprise guide meanscapable of sliding inside a groove arranged in the internal side of theholder.

Means may be disposed between the guide means of the stem and the closedend of the holder, so as to damp the impact of the stem on the bottom ofthe holder when the stem returns under the action of the resilientmeans. Such an arrangement also offers the advantage of reducing thenoise and the vibrations produced by the recoil of the stem against thebottom of the device, in a resilient biasing mode.

The damping means may be carried by the guide means and/or by the bottomforming the closed end of the holder. Such damping means are formed by aleaf spring obtained by moulding, together with the piece of which theyform part, by an overmoulded elastomeric element or by a block of foam.

Advantageously, the closed end of the holder has an attached bottomhaving an opening for the escape and/or renewed intake of air, thusallowing any piston action phenomenon to be avoided. The attached bottommay be catch engaged, bonded, welded or screwed on.

According to a preferred embodiment, the resilient restoring meanscomprise a helical spring disposed inside the holder. Such a spring mayhave one of its ends bearing against the guide means of the stem, theother end bearing against an annular flange disposed on the internalside of the holder.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive system has at least oneelement having a first portion orientated substantially along thelongitudinal axis of the device, and a meshing second portion of which afree end is intended to come into engagement with the threaded stem, thefirst portion being capable of resiliently pivoting round an axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as toselectively allow during the mounting of the head (or during itsremoval) the engagement (or the disengagement) of the free end with orfrom (respectively) the threaded stem, the second portion having aresilience generating in the position engaged with the drive means anaxial restoring force in a direction opposed to the direction of therestoring force generated by the restoring means, in response to anaxial pressure exerted on the stem via the applicator.

By way of an indication, the resilience of the second portion is suchthat under the effect of an axial pressure exerted via the applicator,the stem is axially displaced by a distance of from 0.2 mm to 2 mm.

Preferably the second portion forms an angle relative to the first offrom 30° to 120°, and preferably from 45° to 110°.

The second portion may have a radial width of from 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

Advantageously, the drive system comprises at least two tabs capable ofcoming into engagement with the stem at at least two diametricallyopposite points. Preferably, the two points are axially offset, so as topermit a faster engagement of the drive system and of the stem.

In a particular embodiment, the tabs have substantially the shape of anL or a V whose tip is orientated towards the outside of the holder,corresponding holes being arranged in the internal side of the head forfreeing the tabs during the removal of the head and thus producing thedisengagement of the tabs and stem.

Advantageously, means forming a stop are provided for limiting the axialmovement of the applicator in the direction towards the second end ofthe head in the detached position of the head. Preferably, the stop isarranged in such a way that it does not require any indexed position ofthe cup, for acting as a stop.

The tabs may be carried by an annular element intended to be mounted onthe head, this annular element also carrying the means intended to forma stop for the applicator. The annular element may be formed by a singlepiece obtained by moulding a thermoplastic material.

According to another embodiment, the drive system includes a slottedscrew nut carried by the head.

The coupling means may comprise at least two resiliently deformable tabsmounted on the cup, the tabs having a shape capable of tightly grippingthe end fitting of the stem when it pushes the applicator inside theduct. Advantageously, the tabs have a resilient configuration close tothat of the tabs for driving the stem, so that advantageously they canalso perform the function of a damping element.

At its opposite end to the head, the holder may carry a pencilsharpener. The pencil sharpener may be detachable or non-detachable. Inthe latter case, it may be catch engaged, bonded or welded inside arecess arranged in the bottom of the holder.

The holder may have a square, oval, triangular, circular or polygonalshape. The applicator may be constituted by a "lead", a pencil brush, afelt, a lipstick, a foam or a flocked applicator. The product to beapplied may be a lipstick, a colouring, a mascara, a liner, a kohl, aneyeshadow etc.

The mechanism in accordance with the invention is particularlyadvantageous in that when a "lead" is used up, the lead-carryingmechanism is ready to receive a new refill without requiring anyadditional manipulations to position the refill. The softness onapplication is outstanding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the description that follows, reference will be made to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the devicein accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 is another illustration of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the"lead" is joined to the pusher mechanism, so that it can be displaced inthe application position;

FIG. 3 shows another view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereinthe head has been removed from the holder;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate two embodiments of the pusher mechanism used inthe applicator holder device in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 4C-4D show by way of examples two different external shapes of thedevice in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5G schematically illustrate various drive elements of thedevice in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 6 illustrates a device in accordance with the invention, used for alipstick, and

FIG. 7 illustrates a device in accordance with the invention, used for apencil.

DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator holder device 1 in accordance withthe invention mainly comprises a holder 2 forming the body of the deviceof a substantially cylindrical shape, having a longitudinal axis X, andclosed at one of its ends by a cap or bottom 3 which can be welded tothe holder, or be mounted on the holder by catch engagement or bonding.Advantageously, an opening 202 is provided in the cap so as to allow arenewed intake of air during the withdrawal of the applicator with aview to an application of the product. The pusher mechanism is mountedinside the holder 2 and comprises, in essence, a stem 4 which isthreaded (over at least a portion of its length). The stem 4 is situatedsubstantially in the axis of the holder, and is fixed to a head 5 (ofthe winged type). The head 5 is guided in translation in the holder bymeans of grooves 6, arranged in a suitable manner in the internalsurface of the holder, the stem being thus secured against rotation. Thestem is, moreover, mounted inside the holder by means of a spring 7 (ofthe helical type), one of whose ends bears on an annular flange 8arranged inside the holder, and whose other end bears on the head 5 ofthe stem 4. Thus, in the rest position, the stem is held biased againstthe closed end of the holder. Advantageously a spring system 9, of theleaf-type for example, is disposed on the head of the stem on the sidesituated opposite the cap 3, the function of the spring system being toreduce the sound and damp the impact produced by the return of the stem(under the action of the spring 7) when the head is being removed fromthe holder, as will be seen in greater detail in the continuation of thedescription. Other means, such as for example a pad of an elasticmaterial, may be used in accordance with the invention, to replace thespring mechanism 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the free end ofthe stem 4 opposite the head 5 comprises an end fitting 17 forming apart with an extra thickness as compared with the diameter of the stem.The shape of the end fitting may be a rounded, conical or any othershape and, as will be set out below, allows the stem to be fastened tothe lead.

As will be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the stem may have a thread over itswhole length (FIG. 4A) or, over only a portion of its length (FIG. 4B),the spring thus being used to re-engage the device when the stem hasreturned to its initial position. As will be seen in detail below, thelocation and limits of the threaded system are determined in such a waythat when the head 10 is being fitted on the holder 2 the meshing partof the tabs 23 comes into engagement with the thread right at the startof the thread, so as to limit the number of turns of the thread to bepassed over by the strained tabs.

The device in accordance with the invention also comprises a head (ornose) 10 of a general elongate shape, preferably tapered at one of itsends, and inside which there is disposed an axial duct whose diameter isadapted to the diameter of an applicator, such as a "lead" 12advantageously carried by a cup 14 and intended to be mounted inside theduct. The opposite end to the tapered portion of the head has a part 13whose external diameter is slightly less than the internal diameter ofthe holder 2, so that it can be mounted therein in a detachable manner,the edge of the holder coming to bear against a shoulder 40 of the head.Advantageously, the external surface of the part 13 has an annulargroove intended to cooperate by catch engagement with an annular ribarranged on the internal surface of the holder in order to improve thehold of the head on the holder during the use of the lead holder device.In its portion on the opposite side to the tapered end, the axial duct11 opens out in a portion with a larger diameter 15 to which it isjoined by a zone 16 of a frustoconical shape.

The head of the device in accordance with the invention also has drivemeans 23 intended to come into engagement with the thread of the screw,during the mounting of the head on the holder, in order to cause thestem to advance (or retract) by rotation of the head relative to theholder; as is shown more clearly in FIGS. 5B to 5E, these means 23 arecarried by an annular element 21, a portion of which has an externaldiameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the portion 13with the smaller diameter of the head 10, so that it can be mounted bycatch engagement, by welding, by bonding or by any other techniqueinside the portion 13. The other end 22 of the annular element forms aflange with a diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of theportion 20, so as to come to bear against the transverse edge of theportion 13. On the transverse edge of the portion 20 there are disposedtwo tabs 23 that are resiliently deformable and are intended to bepositioned opposite the corresponding holes 24 that are arranged in theside of the head 10. In the mode of embodiment shown, the tabs define anL or V shape the apex of which is orientated towards the outside so asto be inserted, in the absence of any constraint, in the holes 24. Inthe removed position, the top of the tabs emerges substantially throughthe holes 24 in the way shown in FIG. 5C.

Thus, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the head is fitted on theholder, the sides of the holder bear on the top of the drive tabs 23, soas to force them into engagement with the threaded system of the stem 4,to form a screw nut and to be capable of driving the stem in onedirection or the other depending on the direction of rotation of thehead relative to the holder.

According to a main characteristic of the invention, the drive tabs 23form a resiliently deformable structure of which the portion 201, whenengaged with the stem, imparts an axial resilience to the positioning ofthe stem and hence of the applicator driven by the stem. In theembodiment shown, the stem is driven by two tabs 23 disposed at twodiametrically opposed points relative to the stem. Alternatively, andalthough this solution does not constitute the preferred solution, thedrive of the threaded stem can be effected with a single tab 23.Advantageously, the engagement points of each of the tabs 23 areslightly offset axially (for example by of the order of one turn of thethread).

Each one of the tabs has the overall shape of an L, having a firstportion 200 which in the fitted position of the head is substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis X of the device. One end of theportion 200 is joined to the annular element 21 (described withreference to FIGS. 5B and 5C), mounted on the head 10. The other end isjoined to a portion 201 which is substantially perpendicular thereto andwhose free end is intended to come into engagement with the threadedstem 4. The portion 200 of each of the tabs 23 is situated opposite acorresponding hole 24 which is capable of allowing, by a resilientrestoring action, the disengagement of the tabs 23 from the threadedstem when the head is being removed. In fact, when the head is removedthe tabs 23 are no longer constrained by the internal wall of the bodyof the device. The tabs 23 have a resilience of which a radial componentproduces, by a resilient restoring action, the pivoting of the portion200 substantially round an axis A (FIG. 5B) perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis X of the device. The portion 200 penetrates, at leastpartially, into the corresponding slot 24 (see FIG. 5C).

The portion 201 then moves away substantially radially relative to thestem 4, which action releases the stem which returns to its restposition in the bottom of the device under the effect of the restoringforce exerted by the spring 7.

The portion 201, which during the mounting of the head is situatedsubstantially in the vicinity of the start of the thread, has a radialwidth which can range from 1.5 to 3 mm. This portion 201 has an axialresilience which is such that, when an axial pressure is exerted on theapplicator (for example when the applicator bears on a surface to betreated), the resiliently deformable portion 201 slightly closes overthe portion 200 (by a bending movement substantially around axis B)which produces a small axial backward movement of the free end of thetabs 23 (in the direction towards the bottom of the holder). The stemmoves back in the same way then, by a resilient restoring forcegenerated by the portion 201, it returns to its initial position.Typically the rearward movement may range from 0.2 mm to 2 mm. Thisresilience depends to a large extent on the material used (preferably athermoplastic material), on the radial width of the portion 201 and onthe angle between the portion 200 and the portion 201, (preferably,close to 90°). Thus mounted, the stem 4 and hence in consequence theapplicator 12, are mounted as on a spring, which imparts a remarkablesoftness to the application. Obviously, the tabs 23 must be sufficientlyrigid to drive the stem in opposition to the restoring force exerted bythe spring 7.

Moreover, it is to be noted that, advantageously, if the pressureexerted on the applicator (for example by its being dropped) is toogreat, the impact creates a stronger folding back movement of theportion 201 on the portion 200, that is to say a more substantialclosing of the angle between the portion 201 and the portion 200. Thismore substantial folding back produces a disengagement of the tabs 23from the stem which returns into its rest position in to the bottom ofthe holder by a resilient restoring action. This advantageouscharacteristic limits the risks of accidental damage to the applicatortip.

During assembling of the head, which corresponds substantially to theposition illustrated in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 13 is insertedinto the open end of the holder 2. This having been done, the tabs 23are constrained by the internal surface of the holder, which producestheir engagement with the start of the thread of the stem 4. At thisstage, it should be noted that the applicator is not yet driven by thestem, the drive only being effected during the first use by turning thehead 10 relative to the holder 2. Thus, each time a new head 10 isfitted on the holder, the positioning of the applicator is constant. Inother words, the assembling of the head (and engagement of the drivetabs 23 and of the stem 4) is an operation disconnected from the driveof the applicator with a view to an application.

The tabs 23 may be made of metal, plastic or any other materialproviding the desired resilience. In the embodiment illustrated, thetabs 23 have a shape close to that of an L. In reality, their shape isclose to that of an L in a strained position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and closeto that of a V in an unstrained position (FIGS. 5B-5E). According to anadvantageous embodiment, the tabs 23 are obtained by moulding athermoplastic material (polyethylene or polypropylene) in a single piecewith the element 21 supporting them, as depicted in FIG. 5G.

When the head is removed from the holder (for example by pulling), thetabs 23 resiliently return into their divergent position, thusdisengaging from the threaded stem 4 which can then return into its restposition by the action of the spring 7.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5D and 5E, the annular element 21 alsocarries a ring 50 connected to the part 20 by two arms 51, 52 disposedat 90° relative to the drive tabs 23. The internal diameter of the ringis such that the stem 4 and the end fitting 17 can freely pass through,so as to be capable of coming into engagement with the tabs 32 and 33 ofthe cup 14. However, the internal diameter of the ring 50 is such that,when the part 21 is inserted into the head 10 (see FIG. 5E), the ringforms an annular stop which prevents the "lead" 12 from emerging fromthe head 10 through the opening delimited by the portion with the largerdiameter 15, the length of the arms 51, 52 being chosen so that in theretracted position of the "lead", the ring 50 is situated in thevicinity of the free end of the tabs 32, 33.

According to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F, the drive of thestem is obtained by means of a slotted threaded screw nut 100 carried bythe head. This screw nut has two half shells 101, 102 separated by aslot 103 and whose internal surface comprises at its end a thread 104capable of cooperating with the thread of the stem. In the same way asin the embodiment with resilient tabs, the slotted nut has a bent shapewhich gives it the desired resilience for the axial positioning of theapplicator. The engagement of the stem is produced when the two partsforming the screw nut are strained by a conical surface arranged in theholder, the removal of the head freeing the two threaded half shells101, 102 thus producing the disengagement of the stem.

The "lead" 12 is mounted in a cup 14 that will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIG. 5A. This cup has a lateral skirt 30, oneend of which is open to receive the "lead" and is of a generallycylindrical shape adapted to the shape of the "lead". The internaldiameter of the cup is slightly greater than the diameter of the "lead",which can be held in position in the cup by various appropriate means,such as ribs arranged on the internal side of the cup, or by bonding.The other end may be closed by a transverse side 31. On the bottom 31and on the opposite side to the lateral skirt 30 there areadvantageously mounted two fastening tabs 32, 33, made of a preferablyresiliently deformable material, so as to move away when at rest fromthe axis of the cup 30 as shown in FIG. 1. According to an alternative,the tabs are joined to the rest of the cup by a hinge mechanism formedby a zone of lesser thickness at the level of the bottom 31. The shapeof the fastening tabs is such that they are capable of tightly holdingthe end fitting 17 of the stem when the tabs advance into the axial duct11. According to a preferred embodiment, each one of the fastening tabssubstantially defines an L shape.

According to another embodiment, the bottom of the cup is open, at leastin part, so as to be capable of allowing the "lead" to be moved into thedevice through the bottom of the cup before being fitted on the device.

Moreover, even though the fixing of the "lead" forms a preferred featureof the invention so as to allow both the emergence and retraction of the"lead" in the head, this function is nevertheless not indispensable.Indeed, according to a possible embodiment the stem does not have anymeans for fastening the cup, so that the pencil "lead" is only driven inthe emerging direction, and only until it has been completely consumed.In these conditions the removal of the head, for example by pulling,only causes the stem to be freed from the head, and the stem to returnto the bottom of the holder, under the effect of the restoring force ofthe spring. In this configuration, means must be provided for retainingthe "lead" inside the duct. By way of example, on the internal surfaceof the axial duct there may be provided catches capable of cooperatingwith one or more corresponding elements (stubs or ribs) on the externalsurface of the cup, the crossing (engagement) of the catches beingeffected by force under the effect of the thrust of the stem 4. Yetother arrangements may be provided for keeping the lead in positioninside the duct.

The functioning of the device in accordance with the invention will nowbe explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5C. InFIG. 5C the head has been removed from the holder (for instance bypulling). As is shown, the pencil lead has risen again inside the axialduct of the head 10. The fastening tabs 32, 33 are opposite thefrustoconical portion 16, and are held to bear against the sides of thefrustoconical part by a resilient restoring effect. The drive tabs 23are in their rest position, that is to say moved away from the axis ofthe head, the tip of the V defined by them emerging from the part 13through the holes 24. As is shown in FIG. 3, in the holder 2, the stem 4carrying the threaded element is held in the restored position againstthe cap 3 of the holder, thanks to the spring 7.

In the position of FIG. 1 the head 10 is fitted on the holder 2 and thedrive tabs 23, strained by the sides of the holder 2, are engaged withthe start of the thread of the stem 4. The end fitting 17 of the stem 4is situated between the fastening tabs 32, 33 of the cup, which tabs areat the level of the frustoconical zone of the duct arranged inside thehead, which allows the tabs to diverge outwardly substantially againstthe frustoconical surface, thus preventing the "lead" from againdropping into the duct. It should be noted that, in the position such asshown in FIG. 1, the head is held elastically in position on the holderby means of the restoring spring, which makes it possible to limit thetightening of the head and holder and to soften the rotation relative tothe body of the device, each function being separate.

A rotation of the head relative to the holder causes the stem 4 toadvance between the tabs 32, 33 of the cup 14 (FIG. 2). The end fitting17 then pushes the "lead" into the duct, which causes the tabs 32, 33 toclose on the end fitting, thus joining the stem to the cup. The end ofthe "lead" can thus be caused to emerge from the head with a view to theapplication of the product. When application has been completed, arotation of the head 10 in the opposite direction relative to the holder2, causes the "lead" to be retracted until the tabs 32, 33 are no longerheld in position inside the duct, that is to say, until they aresituated opposite the frustoconical portion 16. At this moment, the"lead" 12 is no longer joined to the stem 4.

Thus, if in the course of use, the head is removed from the holder (bypulling the head relative to the holder), this causes the "lead" 12 toreturn inside the duct 11, the drive tabs 23 to move away from thethread of the stem, the stem to be returned to the cap 3 of the holder 2under the action of the restoring spring 7, detachment of the stem 4from the "lead" when it has completely returned into the duct 11, andthe head to be freed from the body of the holder. Because of this,during use it is very easy to change the product, for example the shade,simply by replacing the head of the device.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate different forms of the device in accordancewith the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 4C thecross-section has an oval shape, in that of FIG. 4D the cross-section issubstantially square which was difficult to obtain with the conventionaldevices as discussed in the preamble of the present invention. It isobvious that other forms may be used (triangular, circular, square,polygonal, oval, lozenge-shaped). The dimensions of the cross-section ofthe device in accordance with the invention are chosen according to thenature of the product to be applied (a lipstick, colouring, eyeshadowetc.).

A flocked coating may be provided, either on the applicator or on theinternal sides of the axial duct of the head, so as to limit the play ofthe applicator in the head of the device. Such a flocked coating mayalso be disposed on the external surface of the end of the head.

Advantageously again, the device has a protective cap which can bemounted on the head (for example by screwing or by catch engagement) toprotect the lead.

In FIG. 6, to which reference has now been made, the device inaccordance with the invention is used for an applicator 12 in the formof a lipstick. In the same way as in the other embodiments, the lipstickis mounted in a cup 14. Means 62 are provided beneath the cup and/or onthe internal side of the axial duct 11 so as to form a seal and/or toform a stop, to prevent the lipstick from dropping out through theopening delimited by the portion with the larger diameter 15. In thislatter case, the lipstick can only be mounted in the head through theoutlet opening delimited by the free edge 64 of the head. In thisembodiment, and given the larger diameter of the applicator and of thecup 14, a groove 63 is provided to allow a sufficient disengagement ofthe tabs 32 and 33, when the applicator is in its retracted position inthe head 10 such as shown in FIG. 6, and to allow the applicator 12 tobe separated from the stem 4.

A cap 60 is mounted by catch engagement or screwing on the head 10. Ablock 61 of foam is disposed in the bottom of the cap to form a seal inthe closed position of the cap on the head, the side of the block offoam intended to come to bear on the free edge of the head 10 beingimpermeable to the solvent (or solvents) contained in the lipstickformula. The block of foam is chosen so as to be in a leakproof contacton the free edge 64 of the head at every point of the said edge, andthis irrespective of the profile of the edge (bevelled or straight).Such a device is particularly suitable for formulas with highly volatilesolvents. Alternatively, the seal of the free edge 64 is ensured by asealing skirt obtained by being moulded together with the cap 60.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made topreferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variants canbe introduced into them without departing from the spirit of theinvention, such as claimed below. By way of example, it is possible, forexample in the case of a pencil, to provide a "pencil sharpener" 200disposed, for example, in a reinforcement arranged in the cap 3 of thedevice as depicted in FIG. 7.

What is claimed is:
 1. An applicator holder device, comprising a holderhaving a longitudinal axis (X) and wherein there is mounted a pushermechanism capable of coming to engage with drive means for selectivelypassing from a rest position inside the holder to an active positionwherein the pusher mechanism is capable of driving an applicator capableof displacement in translation in an axial duct arranged in a headdetachably mounted on the holder; and means for automatically producingthe disengagement of the drive means from the pusher mechanism when thehead is being removed from the holder, and for causing the pushermechanism to pass from its active position to the rest position underthe effect of an axial force exerted by restoring means; characterizedin that the drive means have a resilience of which an axial componentexerts on the pusher mechanism, when the pusher mechanism is engagedwith the drive means, an axial restoring force in a direction opposed tothe direction of the axial force exerted by said restoring means, inresponse to an axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism via theapplicator.
 2. An applicator holder device according to claim 1,characterized in that the drive means are formed by at least oneresiliently deformable element, in the form of two portions of which afirst portion is joined to the head and is capable of resilientlypivoting, so as to selectively allow during the mounting of the head (orduring its removal) the engagement (or the disengagement) of the drivemeans with, or respectively from, the pusher mechanism, and a secondportion joined to the first and capable of coming into an engagedposition with the pusher mechanism, and having in said second positionan axial resilience for generating said axial restoring force.
 3. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 2, characterized in that insaid engaged position, the first portion is substantially parallel tothe axis X, the second portion forming an angle relative to the first.4. An applicator holder device according to claim 3, characterized inthat the second portion forms an angle relative to the first from 30° to120°, and preferably from 45° to 110°.
 5. An applicator holder deviceaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the resilience of the secondportion is such that under the effect of an axial pressure exerted viathe applicator, the pusher mechanism is axially displaced by a distanceof from 0.2 mm to 2 mm.
 6. An applicator holder device according toclaim 2, characterized in that the second portion has a radial width offrom 1.5 mm to 3 mm.
 7. An applicator holder device according to claim1, characterized in that the drive means comprise at least two tabscapable of coming into engagement with the pusher mechanism at at leasttwo diametrically opposite points.
 8. An applicator holder deviceaccording to claim 7, characterized in that said tabs substantially havethe shape of an L or a V whose apex is orientated towards the outside ofthe holder, corresponding holes being arranged in a lateral side of thehead for freeing said tabs during the removal of the head and for thusproducing the disengagement of the tabs from the pusher mechanism.
 9. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 1, characterized in that thedrive means are arranged so as to produce their disengagement from thepusher mechanism and to cause the pusher mechanism to pass from itsactive position to said rest position when the axial pressure exerted onthe pusher mechanism exceeds a given value.
 10. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:a) ahollow cylindrical holder closed at one of its ends; b) a stem threadedover at least a part of its length and mounted for free translationinside the holder, said stem being secured against rotation inside theholder; c) elastic restoring means mounted inside the holder so as tokeep the threaded stem in the rest position biased against the closedend of the holder; d) a detachable head wherein an axial duct isarranged, intended to receive an applicator mounted in a cup, said ductbeing open at its two ends, the first end opening out towards theoutside for the application of the product, and the second end allowingthe head to be detachably fitted on the holder; e) drive means carriedby the head or by the holder so as to be placed into engagement with thethread of the stem when the head is being mounted on the holder, so asto produce the driving of the applicator in translation in said duct byrotation of the holder relative to the head, and f) means for permittingthe disengagement of the drive means and of the stem during the removalof the head.
 11. An applicator holder device according to claim 10,characterized in that the stem is threaded over a portion delimited by afirst limit situated on the opposite side to the closed end of theholder, and a second limit, the drive means comprising a meshing endcapable of coming into engagement with the thread of the stem, saidmeshing end being positioned in such a way that during the mounting ofthe head on the holder, the meshing end is substantially opposite thefirst limit.
 12. An applicator holder device according to claim 10,characterized in that it comprises coupling means between the stem andthe applicator, with a view to driving the applicator into the axialduct of the head; and in that the mounting of the head on the holderproduces the engagement of the driving system with the threaded stem butdoes not produce the driving of the applicator in the duct, theapplicator only coming into play during the first use of the device, byrotation of the head relative to the holder.
 13. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 12, characterized in that the coupling meanscomprise at least two resiliently deformable tabs mounted on the cup,said tabs having a shape capable of tightly gripping the end fitting ofthe stem when it pushes the applicator inside the duct.
 14. Anapplicator holder device claim 10, characterized in that, at itsopposite end to the closed end of the holder, the stem has a fasteningend fitting; in that the cup has fastening means intended to cooperatein a detachable manner with the fastening end fitting of the stem, so asto allow the applicator to be driven into the said duct, in thatrotation of the holder relative to the head causes the applicator to bedriven in translation in said duct and the stem to be fastened to thecup by the closing of the fastening means on the said end fitting, therotation of the holder in the opposite direction relative to the headcausing the applicator to rise again in the duct; and in that means areprovided for releasing the stem from the cup by opening the fasteningmeans when the applicator has risen again inside the duct, while keepingthe applicator in position inside the duct.
 15. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 14, characterized in that the means providedfor releasing the stem from the cup comprise a frustoconical portionformed inside the head, adjacent to the said axial duct, the saidfrustoconical portion allowing the fastening means to diverge by beingresiliently biased when they arrive opposite the said frustoconicalportion, thus releasing the stem.
 16. An applicator holder deviceaccording to claim 15, characterized in that the means provided forreleasing the stem from the cup further comprise a groove adjacent tothe frustoconical portion, so as to allow the fastening means to divergefurther.
 17. An applicator holder device according to claim 10,characterized in that at its opposite end to the head, the stem hasguide means capable of sliding inside a groove arranged in the internalside of the holder.
 18. An applicator holder device according to claim17, characterized in that means are disposed between the guide means ofthe stem and the closed end of the holder, so as to dampen the impact ofthe stem on the bottom of the holder during the return of the stem underthe action of the elastic means.
 19. An applicator holder deviceaccording to claim 18, characterized in that the means are carried bythe guide means of the stem and/or by a bottom forming the closed end ofthe holder.
 20. An applicator holder device according to claim 18,characterized in that the means are formed by a leaf spring obtained bymoulding together with the piece of which they form part, by anovermoulded elastomeric element, or by a block of foam.
 21. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe closed end of the holder has an attached bottom, the said bottomhaving an opening for the escape and/or renewed intake of air.
 22. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 21, characterized in thatthe attached bottom is catch engaged, bonded, welded or screwed on. 23.An applicator holder device according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe said elastic restoring means comprise a helical spring disposedinside the holder.
 24. An applicator holder device according to claim23, characterized in that one end of the spring bears against the guidemeans of the stem, the other end bearing against an annular flangedisposed on the internal side of the holder.
 25. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 10, characterized by means forming a stop, forlimiting the axial movement of the applicator in the direction towardsthe second end of the head, in the detached position of the head.
 26. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 25, characterized in thattabs are carried by an annular element intended to be mounted on thehead, said element also carrying the means intended to form a stop forthe said applicator.
 27. An applicator holder device according to claim26, characterized in that the annular element is formed by a singlepiece obtained by moulding a thermoplastic material.
 28. An applicatorholder device according to claim 10, further comprising a drive systemincludes a slotted screw nut carried by the head.
 29. An applicatorholder device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drivemeans are carried by the head of the device.
 30. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 1, characterized in that sealing means areprovided in the vicinity of one or the other of the ends of the axialduct.
 31. An applicator holder device according to claim 30,characterized in that the sealing means comprise a block of foamcompressible in all spatial directions and having one side intended tocome into a leakproof bearing contact on a free edge of the head, saidone side being impermeable to the solvent (or solvents) forming part ofthe composition of the applicator, said block of foam being disposed inthe bottom of a cap capable of covering in a detachable manner anopening delimited by the said free edge.
 32. An applicator holder deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that on the opposite end to thehead, the holder carries a pencil sharpener.
 33. An applicator holderdevice according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder has asquare, oval, triangular, circular or polygonal cross-section.
 34. Anapplicator holder device according to claim 1, characterized in that theapplicator is formed by a lead, a pencil brush, a felt, a lipstick, afoam or a flocked applicator.
 35. An applicator holder device accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the product to be applied is alipstick, a colouring, a mascara, a liner, a kohl, an eyeshadow etc. 36.An applicator holder device, comprisinga holder having a longitudinalaxis; a head having an axial duct, the head being configured to matewith the holder; at least one resilient element mounted to the head; apusher mechanism mounted within the holder, the pusher mechanism beingconfigured to mate with an applicator capable of displacement within theaxial duct, the pusher mechanism being configured to engage with the atleast one resilient element and drive the applicator within the axialduct from a rest position inside the holder to an active position; and aresilient member positioned within the holder, the resilient memberbeing configured to provide an axial force to the pusher mechanism suchthat the applicator is biased in a direction towards the rest position,wherein, when the pusher mechanism is engaged with the at least oneresilient element and when an axial pressure is exerted on the pushermechanism via the applicator, the at least one resilient element has aresilience such that the at least one resilient element exerts an axialrestoring force on the pusher mechanism in a direction opposite thedirection of bias of the applicator.